1 week before your appointment:
Moisturize the area daily where you'll be getting tattooed. A few days before your appointment, you can also exfoliate the area gently with a body scrub. If you are out in the sun, please apply sunscreen as directed or cover the area. Do not get the area sun burned, I won’t be able to tattoo if for at least two weeks if that happens.
1 day before your appointment:
Drink lots of water and get your body hydrated. Get a good night's sleep.
On the day of your appointment:
Eat a substantial meal before you arrive. Being well-rested and well-fed makes the tattoo hurt less! Wear comfortable clothing that allow easy access to the area being tattooed. I also recommend bringing layers in case you get too warm or too cold while being tattooed.
I always recommend bringing water, beverages, snacks, or even packing a lunch!
You are welcome to bring headphones or a book to help pass the time. If you’d prefer not to chat that’s cool too, no need to feel pressured to keep up a conversation! If you’d like to bring an emotional support stuffed animal to squeeze, I fully support it!
To ensure a smooth tattooing process and optimal healing, please note the following:
Refrain from consuming alcohol heavily the day before, the day of, and the day after your tattoo appointment. Heavy alcohol consumption can thin your blood, which may lead to an unpleasant healing process and could negatively impact the final results of your tattoo.
Certain medications can interact poorly with the tattooing process. If you have any concerns about your current medications, please consult your doctor before your appointment. We are not medical professionals and cannot provide medical advice.
Our studio is designed to provide a focused and comfortable experience for our clients. We prefer that you come to your appointment alone, but you are welcome to bring one guest if needed. We have limited space and are unable to accommodate large groups.
I've applied a special clear bandage to protect your new tattoo.
You can leave this bandage on for about 3-4 days. It's totally normal for it to fill with plasma and excess ink—it might look like a dark "ink sack." This is just your body doing its thing to heal.
However, if you notice a lot of fluid, or if the bandage starts to leak, you should take it off. If you want to put on a fresh bandage if it’s within the first 24 hours, you can. You can usually find them online or at most drugstores. Other brands such as Sandiderm are equivalent. Before applying a new bandage, gently clean your tattoo with clean hands and a mild, unscented antibacterial or antiseptic soap. Make sure your skin is completely dry by either air drying it, patting it gently with a clean paper towel, or using a hair dryer. Then, apply the new bandage.
The easiest way to remove the bandage is in the shower under warm running water. The warm water helps loosen the adhesive, making it less uncomfortable.
Gently peel the bandage back, slowly. You can also use your unscented soap on the edges to help dissolve any stubborn adhesive. Once it's off, gently wash the tattooed area with an unscented antibacterial soap.
Keep your tattoo clean by washing it gently with unscented antibacterial soap and warm water 2-3 times a day for the first 3-4 days. If you keep the bandage on for 3-4 days, you can skip this step!
After washing and drying, apply a thin layer of unscented, non-comedogenic lotion or a tattoo-specific aftercare product. Don't overdo it—a little goes a long way.
After the 3-4 day mark, keep moisturizing your tattoo with a thin layer of unscented lotion around 3 times daily. No need to wash frequently, just cleanse when showering.
After 2 weeks you can go back to your normal skin care routine!
I always recommend using sun protection on your tattoos for life.
If I've applied a traditional bandage (like plastic wrap), remove it after 1-2 hours. Please be aware that your tattoo will "weep" for roughly the first 24 hours. This is completely normal; it's just excess ink and plasma rising to the surface. You might want to wear something to bed that you don't mind getting stained and will prevent you from getting stuck to your bed sheets. Follow the aftercare instructions above for early bandage removal.
After a few days, your tattoo will flake or scab and get itchy. This is normal. Do not scratch, pick at, or pull any flakes off. Let them fall naturally. You can slap it gently to help with itching or apply an ice pack wrapped in paper towel for 15 minutes.
For the first two weeks, do not submerge your tattoo in a bath, pool, or natural water. Showers are fine but don’t hold it under the running water for more than a few seconds. No tanning. Do not put SPF on a healing tattoo. Protect your healing tattoo from the sun by covering it or staying in the shade.
Tattoos are usually healed enough for regular activities after 2-3 weeks. It might look shiny for a few more weeks, as healing can continue for a month or longer.
Everyone’s skin is different, and tattoo healing experiences can vary. If you already have a tattoo healing technique that works best for you, I 100% support you sticking with that!
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out via text at 7175841303.